Portable media player

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a portable media player, such as a portable DVD player. The portable media player has a clamshell type design, including a base portion and an openable cover portion. The openable cover portion includes a display screen, such as an LCD display screen. The player may include a single-hinge stand attached to an outer surface of the base portion so that DVDs may be viewed with the player positioned to stand upright or partially upright. The player may alternatively or additionally include an optionally attachable dual hinge stand having a base including a battery.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Design Patent Application No.29/211,193 filed on Aug. 12, 2004 and U.S. Design Patent Application No.29/210,419 filed on Jul. 30, 2004, both of which applications are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to media players, and in particular toa portable media player.

Portable media players, including devices providing audio and videooutput and including a screen or monitor, such as portable DVD players,televisions, players of digital media stored on a computer, etc., arebecoming much more popular. For example, advances in technology have ledto the availability, at a reasonable cost, of compact or portable audioand visual media players with small screens or monitors, such as an LCDscreens.

Increasingly, people on the go want the ability, for example, to watchand listen to movies or music videos in a variety of environments andsituations including, for example, at home, outdoors, or in a car, trainor airplane. However, existing portable media players, such as existingDVD players, which may unfold open to reveal a screen, can be ratherawkward, cumbersome, or bulky. Furthermore, existing portable mediaplayers may not be versatile and practical in a variety of differentsituations.

Portable or small devices including a video display are known in theart. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,368 to Tuccinardi et al. discussesa portable vehicle video system. The system includes a flat panel videodisplay that can pivot flat against a vehicle ceiling when not in use.As a further example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,243 to Karidis discusses afoldable display screen notebook computer with a pivotable displayscreen.

There is a need for a portable media player, including a visualcomponent, that is practical, versatile, compact, and fun to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a portable mediaplayer, such as a portable DVD player. The portable media player has aclamshell type design, including a base portion and an openable coverportion. The openable cover portion includes a display screen, such asan LCD display screen. When the player is in an opened position, a DVDcan be inserted onto the base portion so that, when the cover portion isclosed, the DVD can be played and viewed on the display screen.

The player may include a single-hinge stand attached to an outer surfaceof the base portion so that DVDs may be viewed with the playerpositioned to stand upright or partially upright. The player mayalternatively or additionally include an optionally attachable dualhinge stand having a base including a battery.

Players according to various embodiments may include an AC adapter, abattery which may be optionally attachable to the player, or both.Players may provide video output, video as well as audio output via aloudspeaker, attachable or wireless speakers, or headphones, and mayprovide other types of output as well.

In embodiments including a single-hinge stand, a user can use theplayer, for example, by holding the player in hand with the standretracted, or the user can extend the stand and position the player on asurface for hands free viewing. The player may include a hook, strap, orother feature to allow hands free carrying, such as by hooking theplayer to a belt.

In embodiments including an optional attachable dual-hinge stand, whichcan include a stand with more than two hinges as well, a user can eitheruse the player by holding it in hand, or can use a single-hinge stand,if included, or can attach the dual hinge stand. The dual hinge standcan provide a high degree of stability and positioning flexibility, andmay or may not include a battery in its base, or may include anoptionally removable battery in its base.

In some embodiments, whether the player includes, for example, no stand,a single-hinge stand, a dual-hinge stand, or both, a battery may beattachable to the player, for example, by being attachable to the outersurface of the base portion of the player. The player may also includean adapter with an extension cord for use, for example, by plugging intoa power outlet. The player may also include a remote control for handsfree operation. Furthermore, the player may have other functions, suchas functioning as a radio, MP3 player and CD player, and includes allcomponents necessary for such functions. The player may include aloudspeaker and may include a jack or jacks for external speakers,headphones, or other accessories or devices.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a portable media playerincluding a clamshell style base portion having an outer surface and aninner surface. The portable media player further includes a clamshellstyle cover portion, having an outer surface and an inner surface,pivotally connected by a hinge to the base portion to allow rotationalmovement of the cover portion with respect to the base portion so as toallow the portable media player to be positioned in a closed clamshellposition or an opened clamshell position. The portable media player isadapted to allow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a mediastorage device onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the baseportion, and is adapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position,securing of the media storage device within the portable media player.At least a portion of the outer surface of the cover portion includes adisplay screen adapted to allow viewing of video while the portablemedia player is in the closed clamshell position.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a portable media playerincluding a clamshell style base portion having an outer surface and aninner surface, and having an edge surface area and a non-edge surfacearea. The portable media player further includes a clamshell style coverportion, having an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotallyconnected by a first hinge to the base portion to allow rotationalmovement of the cover portion with respect to the base portion so as toallow the portable media player to be positioned in a closed clamshellposition or an opened clamshell position. The portable media player isadapted to allow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a mediastorage device onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the baseportion, and adapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position,securing of the media storage device within the portable media player.At least a portion of the outer surface of the cover portion includes adisplay screen adapted to allow viewing of video while the portablemedia player is in the closed clamshell position.

In this embodiment, the portable media player further includes a standmember, pivotally connected by a second hinge to the outer surface ofthe base portion, adapted to allow positioning of the portable mediaplayer on a first surface such that the portable media player issupported on the first surface by contact of at least a portion of theedge surface area of the base portion with the first surface and contactof at least a portion of the stand member with the first surface.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a portable media playerincluding a clamshell style base portion having an outer surface and aninner surface; and having an edge surface area and a non-edge surfacearea. The portable media player further includes a clamshell style coverportion, having an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotallyconnected by a first hinge to the base portion to allow rotationalmovement of the cover portion with respect to the base portion so as toallow the portable media player to be positioned in a closed clamshellposition or an opened clamshell position. The portable media player isadapted to allow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a mediastorage device onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the baseportion, and adapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position,securing of the media storage device within the portable media player.At least a portion of the outer surface of the cover portion includes adisplay screen adapted to allow viewing of video while the portablemedia device is in the closed clamshell.

In this embodiment, the portable media player also includes a standassembly adapted to be removably attachable to the outer surface of thebase portion of the portable media player. The stand assembly includes afirst portion; one or more leg members, the one or more leg membersbeing stationary with respect to each other; and a stand base portionincluding a battery for actuation of the portable media player. Thefirst portion is adapted to be removably attachable to the outer surfaceof the base portion of the portable media player. Furthermore, the firstportion is pivotally attached by a second hinge to first ends of the oneor more leg members to allow rotational movement of the leg members withrespect to the outer surface of the base portion of the portable mediaplayer. The stand base portion is pivotally attached by a third hinge tosecond ends of the one or more leg members to allow rotational movementof the one or more leg members with respect to the stand base portion.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a portable media player.The portable media player includes a clamshell style base section havingan outer surface and an inner surface, and having an edge surface areaand a non-edge surface area. The portable media player further includesa clamshell style cover portion, having an outer surface and an innersurface, pivotally connected by a first hinge to the base portion toallow rotational movement of the cover portion with respect to the baseportion so as to allow the portable media device to be positioned in aclosed clamshell position or an opened clamshell position. The portablemedia player is adapted to allow, in the opened clamshell position,insertion of a media storage device onto at least a portion of the innersurface of the base portion, and adapted to allow, in the closedclamshell position, securing of the media storage device within theportable media player. At least a portion of the outer surface of thecover portion includes a display screen adapted to allow viewing ofvideo while the portable media player is in a closed clamshell.

In this embodiment, the portable media player further includes a standmember, pivotally connected by a second hinge to the outer surface ofthe base portion, adapted to allow positioning of the portable mediaplayer on a first surface such that the portable media player issupported on the first surface by contact of at least a portion of theedge surface area of the base portion with the first surface and contactof at least a portion of the stand member with the first surface.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portable media player includes astand assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the outer surfaceof the base portion of the portable media player. The stand assemblyincludes a first portion; one or more leg members, the one or more legmembers being stationary with respect to each other; and a stand baseportion including a battery for actuation of the portable media player.The first portion is adapted to be removably attachable to the outersurface of the base portion of the portable media player. Furthermore,the first portion is pivotally attached by a third hinge to first endsof the one or more leg members to allow rotational movement of the legmembers with respect to the outer surface of the base portion of theportable media player. The stand base portion is pivotally attached by afourth hinge to second ends of the one or more leg members to allowrotational movement of the one or more leg members with respect to thestand base portion.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a portable DVD playerincluding a clamshell style base portion having an outer surface and aninner surface; and having an edge surface area and a non-edge surfacearea. The portable DVD player further includes a clamshell style coverportion, having an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotallyconnected by a first hinge to the base portion to allow rotationalmovement of the cover portion with respect to the base portion so as toallow the portable DVD player to be positioned in a closed clamshellposition or an opened clamshell position. The portable DVD player isadapted to allow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a DVDonto at least a portion of the inner surface of the base portion, andadapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position, securing of the DVDwithin the portable DVD player. At least a portion of the outer surfaceof the cover portion includes a display screen adapted to allow viewingof video obtained from the DVD while the portable DVD player is in theclosed clamshell position.

In this embodiment, the portable DVD player further includes a standassembly adapted to be removably attachable to the outer surface of thebase portion of the portable media player. The stand assembly includes afirst portion; one or more leg members, the one or more leg membersbeing stationary with respect to each other; and a stand base portionincluding a battery for actuation of the portable DVD player. The firstportion is adapted to be removably attachable to the outer surface ofthe base portion of the portable DVD player. Furthermore, the firstportion is pivotally attached by a second hinge to first ends of the oneor more leg members to allow rotational movement of the leg members withrespect to the outer surface of the base portion of the portable DVDplayer. The stand base portion is pivotally attached by a third hinge tosecond ends of the one or more leg members to allow rotational movementof the one or more leg members with respect to the stand base portion.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a portable DVD playerincluding a clamshell style base portion having an outer surface and aninner surface, and having an edge surface area and a non-edge surfacearea. The portable DVD player further includes a clamshell style coverportion, having an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotallyconnected by a first hinge to the base portion to allow rotationalmovement of the cover portion with respect to the base portion so as toallow the portable DVD player to be positioned in a closed clamshellposition or an opened clamshell position. The portable DVD player isadapted to allow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a DVDonto at least a portion of the inner surface of the base portion, andadapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position, securing of the DVDwithin the portable DVD player. At least a portion of the outer surfaceof the cover portion includes a display screen adapted to allow viewingof video obtained from the DVD while the portable DVD player is in theclosed clamshell position.

In this embodiment, the portable DVD player further includes a standmember, pivotally connected by a second hinge to the outer surface ofthe base portion, adapted to allow positioning of the portable DVDplayer on a first surface such that the portable DVD player is supportedon the first surface by contact of at least a portion of the edgesurface area of the base portion with the first surface and contact ofat least a portion of the stand member with the first surface.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portable DVD player includes astand assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the outer surfaceof the base portion of the portable DVD player. The stand assemblyincludes a first portion; one or more leg members, the one or more legmembers being stationary with respect to each other; and a stand baseportion including a battery for actuation of the portable DVD player.The first portion is adapted to be removably attachable to the outersurface of the base portion of the portable DVD player. Furthermore, thefirst portion is pivotally attached by a third hinge to first ends ofthe one or more leg members to allow rotational movement of the legmembers with respect to the outer surface of the base portion of theportable DVD player. The stand base portion is pivotally attached by afourth hinge to second ends of the one or more leg members to allowrotational movement of the one or more leg members with respect to thestand base portion. The stand member can be positioned in a retractedposition such that the stand member is positioned in a recessed areaformed in the outer surface of the base portion of the portable DVDplayer, and wherein the stand assembly is attachable, while the standmember is in a retracted position, such that the stand base ispositioned substantially flush with at least a portion of the outersurface of the base portion of the portable DVD player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawingswhich are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which likereferences are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a portable DVD player according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified side view of a portable DVD player in anopened position, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified rear view of a portable DVD player accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified side view of a portable DVD player accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a back view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a bottom view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a portable DVD player according toone embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand;

FIG. 12 depicts a simplified side view of a portable DVD playeraccording to one embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hingestand in a retracted position;

FIG. 13 depicts a simplified side view of a portable DVD playeraccording to one embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hingestand in an extended position;

FIG. 14 depicts a front view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand;

FIG. 15 depicts a back view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand;

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand;

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand; and

FIG. 18 depicts a bottom view of a portable DVD player according to oneembodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description of the preferred embodiment, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in whichis shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

While the player is described herein primarily with reference to a DVDplayer, it is to be understood that the invention contemplates portablemedia players other than, or in addition to, DVD players and mediastorage devices other than DVDs. For example, in some embodiments, theportable media player can play and display video by playing a digital oranalog media storage device other than a DVD.

Herein, the terms “clamshell” and “clamshell style” include devices thatinclude a base portion and a cover portion. Generally, the cover portionis hinged to the base position so that the cover portion can be movedrotationally about the hinge relative to the base portion.

Generally, the cover portion (or the base portion) of a clamshell styledevice can be positioned relative to the base portion so that the coverportion and the base portion substantially mate to together to form asubstantially or largely round, flattened shape such as the shape of theplayers depicted in the figures herein. The device may include anassembly or system to lock or hold the device together in the closedclamshell position unless opened by a user.

Generally, the cover portion of a clamshell style device can also bepositioned relative to the base portion so that the cover portion formsan angle with respect to the base portion at the hinge. The hinge isgenerally toward or at a portion of the outer edge area of the baseportion and the cover portion.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a clamshell style portable DVDplayer 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The player 100includes a base portion 106 and a cover portion 104.

The cover portion 104 includes a video display screen 102, such as, forexample, an LCD display screen. In other embodiments, the display screen102 can be another type of display screen, such as a display screen typeused in notebook computers or small or portable televisions. The displayscreen 102 is used to provide a display, such as video, based oncontents of an inserted media storage device, such as a DVD. The displayscreen may also be used to display other information, such as the time,elapsed time of a DVD, play status, including rewind, skip, and otherinformation. In some embodiments, and if of appropriate dimensions, thedisplay screen can be any of a variety of types of display screens ofvarying complexity, resolution, and sophistication as known in the art,including, among other types, a color or black and white display screen,an active matrix display screen, a flat panel display screen, a CRTscreen, a TFT LCD color display screen, etc. In some embodiments, thedisplay screen may be a touch-sensitive display screen useable with astylus or other pointing device.

In some embodiments, for example, the display screen may be a NTSCformat color TFT LCD display measuring 3.5 inches in diagonal measure ofvisible display, and may include on-screen control display. Resolutionmay be, for example, 336,960 pixels. A composite video output may beprovided.

In some embodiments, other features may include, for example, an opticalaudio output, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a DC 7.4V AC adapter, an AV cableand 110-240V UL adapter, a DC car charger, and stereo headphones,anti-skip circuitry, and a full function remote control.

As depicted, the display screen 102 is slightly raised with respect tothe remainder of the cover portion 104, but, in other embodiments, thedisplay screen 102 may also be even with, or set in relative to, thedisplay screen 102. The display screen 102 may also include, underneaththe visible surface and included as part of, or attached to, the coverportion 104, components, including electrical components, forfunctioning of the display screen.

The player 100 also has a second, smaller display screen 108 on aportion of the base portion 106, although, in some embodiments, thesmaller screen may not be included. The smaller display screen 108 maybe an LCD display screen or another type of display screen, such asdescribed above with regard to the display screen 102 of FIG. 1.

As depicted, the display screens 102, 108 do not separate covers, but insome embodiments separate covers are provided, such as opaque covers,which covers may be openable and closable, for example.

The player 100 may also include one or more internal or externalantennas or receivers for such things as radio and television reception.

The player also includes a number of controls 110, such as touchbuttons, on the cover portion 104. These buttons may provide variousfunctions and options associated, for example, with playing of a DVD orother media storage device, and may include navigational controls forsuch things as menu-driven displays. A button 112 is also included onthe base portion 106 to open or allow opening of the cover portion 104relative to the base portion 106.

A group 114 of various other controls, ports, outlets, etc. is includedon the side or edge area of the base portion 106. The group 114 mayinclude, among other things, a volume control, a port or ports forspeakers and headphones, a port for an AC adapter, on on/off control, acontrol to switch between functions such as radio, DVD player,television, CD player, or other functions. A second group 116, or morethan one other group, may also be included, for example, along the edgeor side area of the base portion 106.

With respect to functions, in some embodiments, for example, the playermay be DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW/MP3 and JPEG compatible, and may be capableof recording as well as playing audio and video. Viewing-relatedfunctions and features may also include multiple subtitles and viewingangles capability, slow and fast motion play, and zoom operationfeatures.

In some embodiments, as depicted in later figures, the player 100 mayinclude a stand or stands, such as a single hinge stand or a dual hingestand or both, which stands, or some of them, may be optionallyattachable (and detachable). In some embodiments, however, no stand orattachable stand is included. In some embodiments, a non-attachable ornot necessarily attachable separate stand may be used. Furthermore, insome embodiments, a stand or with more than two hinges may be used.

In some embodiments, The player 100 may also include a battery (notshown), which may be permanent or optionally attachable, and which mayattach to the outer portion of the base portion 106 of the player 100,or which may form all or a part of the outer portion of the base portion106. In some embodiments, a battery may be included as part of a stand,such as a dual-hinge stand, as described herein particularly withreference to FIGS. 11-18. The battery may be a rechargeable battery,such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified side view of a portable DVD player 200 in anopened, or opened clamshell, position, according to one embodiment ofthe invention. The player 200 includes a base portion 208 and a coverportion 206. The base portion 208 includes an outer surface 210 and aninner surface 212, and the cover portion 206 includes an outer surface216 and an inner surface 204. The outer surface 216 of the cover portion206 includes a display screen 218, and may include one or more otherdisplay screens (not shown).

The player 200 also includes a hinge 218, which can include a multiplecomponent hinge or a hinge assembly as known in the art, to allowrotational movement of the cover portion 206 relative to the baseportion 208 from and through a closed, or closed clamshell, position (asdepicted in FIG. 1) through to an opened, or opened clamshell, positionas depicted in FIG. 2. In the opened position, the cover portion 206forms an angle 202 with the base portion 218. In some embodiments, themaximum angle may be less than 90 degrees, but in other embodiments maybe more than 90 degrees.

In the opened position, as depicted, a user may insert one or more mediastorage devices, such as a DVD, generally onto at least a portion of theinner surface 212 of the base portion 208, such that, when the player200 is closed, the DVD is generally secured within the player 200, whilebeing able to spin in order to be played.

FIG. 3 depicts a simplified rear view of a portable DVD player 300according to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodimentdepicted, the player 300 includes a u-shaped stand member 302 ormembers, including a bottom portion 310 and two side portions 312, 314.In other embodiments, however, the stand member or members may be otherthan u-shaped.

Ends of the side portions 312, 314 of the stand member 302 are attachedby a hinge 308, or hinge assembly, to a portion of the outer surface ofthe base portion of the player. The hinge 308 includes two pivot points306, 308. The hinge 308 may be positioned in a retracted position suchthat it is substantially mated or flush with the outer surface of thebase portion, or may be rotated to be in an extended position (asdepicted in FIG. 4) to allow standing of the player.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the base portion may include arecessed portion or grooves so that, when fully in the retractedposition, the stand member 302 is not raised relative to the outersurface of the base portion. Additionally, the stand member 302 may lockor be held in place in the retracted or extended position, and theplayer 300 may include a button or other control for allowing the standmember 302 to be re-positionable.

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified side view of the portable DVD player 400,with the stand member 302 in the extended position. The player 400 isdepicted supported on surface 402 by contact of at least a portion ofthe stand member 302, specifically, as depicted, the bottom portion 310,with the surface 402, and by contact of at least a portion of the outersurface of the edge area of the base portion of the player 300. It is tobe noted that the portion of the base portion of the player 400 thatcontacts the surface 402 may include or be contact points or surfacesthat may, for example, provide or help provide protection of the baseportion or stable placement, such as two or more such contact pointsalong an edge area of the base portion for contact with the surface 402.The stand member 310 may also have one or more contact points forcontact with the surface 402.

In the supported position as depicted in FIG. 4, the player 400 can beviewed in a hands free fashion, and a user may use headphones orspeakers, for example, for audio if audio is provided. Furthermore, aremote control may be included for hands free operation or control.

In some embodiments, the stand member 302 may be smaller or larger thandepicted, and the hinge 308 may be located elsewhere on the outersurface of the base portion. For example, in some embodiments, the standmember may be substantially larger, such that the hinge is locatedtoward the edge area of the player.

In some embodiments, the player includes a batter attached to the outersurface of the base portion, or forming, when attached, the outerportion of the base portion. If the stand member is large enough andappropriately shaped, the battery can be positioned inside the sectionor area formed, for example, by the u-shaped stand member.Alternatively, the stand member can be hinged or otherwise attached tothe battery itself, or to the battery covering or an attachment to thebattery.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a portable DVD player 500 according toone embodiment of the invention. Two contact points 502, 504 can beseen. The contact points 502, 504 may be a slide-resistant or flexiblematerial such as rubber, for example, and may be used in supporting theplayer 500 when a stand member, such as a single-hinge stand member, isused (as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4).

FIG. 6 depicts a back view of a portable DVD player 600 according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player 700 according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player 800 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The side depicted is the opposite of theside depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a portable DVD player 900 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Although, as depicted, the player 900 isnot exactly circular, a substantially radial first broken line 902 isdepicted. While the broken line is not part of the player 900, point 904is used to refer to a point on the outer surface of the cover portion ofthe player 900. A partially broken line 906 is used to represent avertical axis passing through the horizontal axis formed by line 902.Generally, all area and points on the outer surface of the coverportion, which cover portion is seen from the view in FIG. 9, which areawould fall radially beyond or outward of point 904, such as area 908, isconsidered to be part of the edge or side area of the cover portion.Conversely, all area and points that would fall radially before orinward of point 904, such as area 910, is considered to not be part ofthe edge or side area, or part of the non-edge area, of the coverportion.

Similarly, although the base portion of the player cannot be seen fromthis view, all area and points on the base portion that fall radiallybeyond point 906 are considered to be part of the edge or side area ofthe outer surface of the base portion. Conversely, all area and pointsof the outer surfaces of the cover portion and base portion which fallradially before point 906 are considered to not be part of the edge orside area, or part of the non-edge area, of the base portion.

FIG. 10 depicts a bottom view of a portable DVD player 1000 according toone embodiment of the invention. A stand member 1006 is depicted,attached to the outer surface of the base portion of the player by ahinge 1002 or hinge assembly. A recessed area including finger grooves1004 are included in the outer surface of the base portion to allow thestand member 1006 to be recessed therein, with the finger grooves 1004being sized to allow manual re-positioning or extension of the standmember 1006.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a portable DVD player 1100according to one embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hingestand 1118. As depicted, the dual hinge stand 1118 may be attached tothe player 1100 and may be considered to form a part thereof, or may beoptionally detached from the player 1100. In the embodiment depicted,the player 1100 is operational and useable whether or not the stand 1118is attached. If the stand 1118 is not attached, the player 1100 may beused with an AC adapter, or may include a battery, which battery mayattach, or optionally be attachable to, for example, the outer surfaceof the base portion of the player 100 and may form a part thereof.

As depicted, the stand 1118 includes an attachment member 1102 forattachment to the outer surface of the base portion 1122 of the player1100 as facilitated by attachment assembly 1124. The stand 1118 alsoincludes two leg members 1104, 1120, including the first leg member 1104and the second leg member 1120 which is hidden from view, and a standbase portion 1110. The stand 1118 can be attached and detached by auser, such as by sliding the stand 1118 into or out of position toengage or disengage the hold of the attachment assembly 1124.

The leg members 1104, 1120 are pivotally attached at one end to theattachment member 1102 by a hinge 1128 that is hidden from view, toallow rotational movement of the leg members 1104, 1120 relative to theattachment member 1102 and the player 1100. For example, leg member 1104can be seen pivotally attached to the attachment member at its end 1130.The leg members 1104, 1120 are also pivotally attached at their otherends to the base portion 1110 by a hinge 1106 or hinge assembly, toallow rotational movement of the leg members 1104, 1120 relative to thestand base portion 1110. For example, leg member 1104 can be seenpivotally attached to the stand base portion at the leg member's end1126. In the embodiment depicted, a user can position the stand 1100 asdesired by movement permitted by the hinges 1128, 1106.

In the embodiment depicted, the hinges 1128, 1106 allow convenientmanual movement by a user, yet resist movement sufficiently to retainthe hinged components in a particular position relative to each otheronce manually adjusted by a user.

The stand base portion 1110, as depicted, includes a battery foractuation of the player 1100, the battery being included in the baseportion 1118. The stand base portion 1110 also includes recesses 1108,1116 for insertion of the leg members 1104, 1120 when the stand 1118 isin a fully retracted position (as depicted with reference to FIG. 12).

FIG. 12 depicts a simplified side view of a portable DVD player 1200according to one embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hingestand 1206 in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the standbase portion 1202 is flush or nearly flush against a portion of theouter surface of the base portion 1204 of the player 1200. In thisposition, one or more leg members, which are hidden from view, arerecessed into recesses in the stand base portion 1202. This position maybe useful is a user desires to use a battery in the stand 1206, but notto use the stand 1206 to stand the player.

FIG. 13 depicts a simplified side view of a portable DVD player 1300according to one embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hingestand 1302 in an extended position. Relative to the retracted positiondepicted in FIG. 12, the one or more leg members 1306 have been rotatedat one end 1308 relative to the base portion of the player 1300, as wellas having been rotated at the other end 1310 relative to the stand base1304.

The dual-hinge design allows good available positioning variety. Asdepicted, the stand 1302 holds the player 1200 in a nearly uprightposition, with a slight upward tilt, which may be an ideal viewingposition in many situations. In some embodiments, the weight of thestand base portion 1304, which may include a battery, helps stabilizeand prevent tipping of the player 1300 in various positions. Theposition depicted in FIG. 13 is not meant to be the limit of therotation afforded by the hinges, and many different stable positions areachievable.

FIG. 14 depicts a front view of a portable DVD player 1400 according toone embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand.

FIG. 15 depicts a back view of a portable DVD player 1500 according toone embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand.

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player 1600 according toone embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand.

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of a portable DVD player 1700 according toone embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand.

FIG. 18 depicts a bottom view 1800 of a portable DVD player according toone embodiment of the invention, including a dual-hinge stand 1814. Inthe depicted embodiment, contact pieces, points or areas 1802, 1804,1806, 1808 are included on the outer surface of the stand base portion1802 to contact a surface on which it may be placed, helping provide,for example, stability or protection. The contact areas 1802, 1804,1806, 1808 may also prevent the stand base portion 1802 from directlycontacting the surface, which, in some embodiments, can both helpprotect the stand base portion 1802 and also slightly distance anincluded battery from the surface. A release button 1810 is alsodepicted, which can be depressed by a user to allow sliding off of thestand 1814 from a base portion of the player 1800.

1. A portable media player comprising: a clamshell style base portionhaving an outer surface and an inner surface; and a clamshell stylecover portion, having an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotallyconnected by a hinge to the base portion to allow rotational movement ofthe cover portion with respect to the base portion so as to allow theportable media player to be positioned in a closed clamshell position oran opened clamshell position; wherein the portable media player isadapted to allow, in the opened clam shell position, insertion of amedia storage device onto at least a portion of the inner surface of thebase portion, and is adapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position,securing of the media storage device within the portable media player;and wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the cover portionincludes a display screen adapted to allow viewing of video while theportable media player is in the closed clamshell position.
 2. Theportable media player of claim 1, wherein the portable media playercomprises a DVD player, and wherein the media storage device comprises aDVD.
 3. The portable media player of claim 2, wherein the display screenis an LCD display screen.
 4. The portable media player of claim 2,comprising a second display screen positioned on a portion of an edgesurface area of the outer surface of the base portion of the portablemedia player.
 5. The portable media player of claim 4, wherein thesecond display screen is an LCD screen.
 6. The portable media player ofclaim 2, comprising a battery for actuation of the player, the batterybeing optionally attachable to at least a portion of the outer surfaceof the base portion of the media player.
 7. The portable media player ofclaim 6, wherein the battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
 8. Aportable media player comprising: a clamshell style base portion havingan outer surface and an inner surface, and having an edge surface areaand a non-edge surface area; a clamshell style cover portion, having anouter surface and an inner surface, pivotally connected by a first hingeto the base portion to allow rotational movement of the cover portionwith respect to the base portion so as to allow the portable mediaplayer to be positioned in a closed clamshell position or an openedclamshell position; wherein the portable media player is adapted toallow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a media storagedevice onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the base portion,and adapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position, securing of themedia storage device within the portable media player; and wherein atleast a portion of the outer surface of the cover portion includes adisplay screen adapted to allow viewing of video while the portablemedia player is in the closed clamshell position; and a stand member,pivotally connected by a second hinge to the outer surface of the baseportion, adapted to allow positioning of the portable media player on afirst surface such that the portable media player is supported on thefirst surface by contact of at least a portion of the edge surface areaof the base portion with the first surface and contact of at least aportion of the stand member with the first surface.
 9. The portablemedia player of claim 8, wherein the portable media player comprises aDVD player, and wherein the media storage device comprises a DVD. 10.The portable media player of claim 9, wherein the display screen is anLCD display screen.
 11. The portable media player of claim 9, comprisinga second display screen positioned on a portion of the edge surface areaof the base portion of the portable media player.
 12. The portable mediaplayer of claim 11, wherein the second display screen is an LCD screen.13. The portable media player of claim 8, comprising a battery foractuation of the portable media player, the battery being optionallyattachable to at least a portion of the outer surface of the baseportion of the portable media player.
 14. The portable media player ofclaim 13 wherein the battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery. 15.A portable media player comprising: a clamshell style base portionhaving an outer surface and an inner surface, and having an edge surfacearea and a non-edge surface area; a clamshell style cover portion,having an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotally connected by afirst hinge to the base portion to allow rotational movement of thecover portion with respect to the base portion so as to allow theportable media player to be positioned in a closed clamshell position oran opened clamshell position; wherein the portable media player isadapted to allow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a mediastorage device onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the baseportion, and adapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position,securing of the media storage device within the portable media player;and wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the cover portionincludes a display screen adapted to allow viewing of video while theportable media device is in the closed clamshell position; and a standassembly adapted to be removably attachable to the outer surface of thebase portion of the portable media player, the stand assemblycomprising: a first portion; one or more leg members, the one or moreleg members being stationary with respect to each other; and a standbase portion including a battery for actuation of the portable mediaplayer; wherein the first portion is adapted to be removably attachableto the outer surface of the base portion of the portable media player;wherein the first portion is pivotally attached by a second hinge tofirst ends of the one or more leg members to allow rotational movementof the leg members with respect to the outer surface of the base portionof the portable media player; and wherein the stand base portion ispivotally attached by a third hinge to second ends of the one or moreleg members to allow rotational movement of the one or more leg memberswith respect to the stand base portion.
 16. The portable media player ofclaim 15, wherein the one or more leg members consist of two legmembers.
 17. The portable media player of claim 16, wherein the portablemedia player comprises a DVD player and wherein the media storage devicecomprises a DVD.
 18. The portable media player of claim 17, wherein thedisplay screen is an LCD display screen.
 19. The portable media playerof claim 17, comprising a second display screen positioned on a portionof the edge surface area of the base portion of the portable mediaplayer.
 20. The portable media player of claim 19, wherein the seconddisplay screen is an LCD screen.
 21. The portable media player of claim19, wherein the battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
 22. Aportable media player comprising: a clamshell style base section havingan outer surface and an inner surface, and having an edge surface areaand a non-edge surface area; a clamshell style cover portion, having anouter surface and an inner surface, pivotally connected by a first hingeto the base portion to allow rotational movement of the cover portionwith respect to the base portion so as to allow the portable mediadevice to be positioned in a closed clamshell position or an openedclamshell position; wherein the portable media player is adapted toallow, in the opened clamshell position, insertion of a media storagedevice onto at least a portion of the inner surface of the base portion,and adapted to allow, in the closed clamshell position, securing of themedia storage device within the portable media player; and wherein atleast a portion of the outer surface of the cover portion includes adisplay screen adapted to allow viewing of video while the portablemedia player is in the closed clamshell position; a stand member,pivotally connected by a second hinge to the outer surface of the baseportion, adapted to allow positioning of the portable media player on afirst surface such that the portable media player is supported on thefirst surface by contact of at least a portion of the edge surface areaof the base portion with the first surface and contact of at least aportion of the stand member with the first surface; and a stand assemblyadapted to be removably attachable to the outer surface of the baseportion of the portable media player, the stand assembly comprising: afirst portion; one or more leg members, the one or more leg membersbeing stationary with respect to each other; and a stand base portionincluding a battery for actuation of the portable media player; whereinthe first portion is adapted to be removably attachable to the outersurface of the base portion of the portable media player; wherein thefirst portion is pivotally attached by a third hinge to first ends ofthe one or more leg members to allow rotational movement of the legmembers with respect to the outer surface of the base portion of theportable media player; and wherein the stand base portion is pivotallyattached by a fourth hinge to second ends of the one or more leg membersto allow rotational movement of the one or more leg members with respectto the stand base portion.
 23. The portable media player of claim 22,wherein the stand member can be positioned in a retracted position suchthat the stand member is positioned in a recessed area formed in theouter surface of the base portion of the portable media player, andwherein the stand assembly is attachable, while the stand member is in aretracted position, such that the stand base is positioned substantiallyflush with at least a portion of the outer surface of the base portionof the portable media player.
 24. The portable media player of claim 22,wherein the portable media player comprises a DVD player and wherein themedia storage device comprises a DVD.
 25. The portable media player ofclaim 23, wherein the display screen is an LCD display screen.
 26. Theportable media player of claim 23, comprising a second display screenpositioned on a portion of an edge surface area of the outer surface ofthe base portion of the portable media player.
 27. The portable mediaplayer of claim 25, wherein the second display screen is an LCD screen.28. The portable media player of claim 22, wherein the battery is arechargeable lithium ion battery.
 29. A portable DVD player comprising:a clamshell style base portion having an outer surface and an innersurface, and having an edge surface area and a non-edge surface area; aclamshell style cover portion, having an outer surface and an innersurface, pivotally connected by a first hinge to the base portion toallow rotational movement of the cover portion with respect to the baseportion so as to allow the portable DVD player to be positioned in theclosed clamshell position or an opened clamshell position; wherein theportable DVD player is adapted to allow, in the opened clamshellposition, insertion of a DVD onto at least a portion of the innersurface of the base portion, and adapted to allow, in the closedclamshell position, securing of the DVD within the portable DVD player;and wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the cover portionincludes a display screen adapted to allow viewing of video obtainedfrom the DVD while the portable DVD player is in a closed clamshellposition; and a stand assembly adapted to be removably attachable to theouter surface of the base portion of the portable DVD player, the standassembly comprising: a first portion; one or more leg members, the oneor more leg members being stationary with respect to each other; and astand base portion including a battery for actuation of the portable DVDplayer; wherein the first portion is adapted to be removably attachableto the outer surface of the base portion of the portable DVD player;wherein the first portion is pivotally attached by a second hinge tofirst ends of the one or more leg members to allow rotational movementof the leg members with respect to the outer surface of the base portionof the portable DVD player; and wherein the stand base portion ispivotally attached by a third hinge to second ends of the one or moreleg members to allow rotational movement of the one or more leg memberswith respect to the stand base portion.
 30. A portable DVD playercomprising: a clamshell style base portion having an outer surface andan inner surface; and having an edge surface area and a non-edge surfacearea; a clamshell style cover portion, having an outer surface and aninner surface, pivotally connected by a first hinge to the base portionto allow rotational movement of the cover portion with respect to thebase portion so as to allow the portable DVD player to be positioned inthe closed clamshell position or an opened clamshell position; whereinthe portable DVD player is adapted to allow, in the opened clamshellposition, insertion of a DVD onto at least a portion of the innersurface of the base portion, and adapted to allow, in the closedclamshell position, securing of the DVD within the portable DVD player;and wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the cover portionincludes a display screen adapted to allow viewing of video obtainedfrom the DVD while the portable DVD player is in a closed clamshellposition; a stand member, pivotally connected by a second hinge to theouter surface of the base portion, adapted to allow positioning of theportable DVD player on a first surface such that the portable DVD playeris supported on the first surface by contact of at least a portion ofthe edge surface area of the base portion with the first surface andcontact of at least a portion of the stand member with the firstsurface; and a stand assembly adapted to be removably attachable to theouter surface of the base portion of the portable DVD player, the standassembly comprising: a first portion; one or more leg members, the oneor more leg members being stationary with respect to each other; and astand base portion including a battery for actuation of the portable DVDplayer; wherein the first portion is adapted to be removably attachableto the outer surface of the base portion of the portable DVD player;wherein the first portion is pivotally attached by a third hinge tofirst ends of the one or more leg members to allow rotational movementof the leg members with respect to the outer surface of the base portionof the portable DVD player; and wherein the stand base portion ispivotally attached by a fourth hinge to second ends of the one or moreleg members to allow rotational movement of the one or more leg memberswith respect to the stand base portion; wherein the stand member can bepositioned in a retracted position such that the stand member ispositioned in a recessed area formed in the outer surface of the baseportion of the portable DVD player, and wherein the stand assembly isattachable, while the stand member is in a retracted position, such thatthe stand base is positioned substantially flush with at least a portionof the outer surface of the base portion of the portable DVD player.